Florida's Native Plum Trees

Four native plums grow in Florida, ranging from American plum (Prunus americana), which grows in many parts of the U.S., to scrub plum (Prunus geniculata), which grows in only five counties in Central Florida.

Video of the Day

American Plum

The native, deciduous American plum yields a festive display of small, white, fragrant flowers and 1/2-inch-wide, fleshy, yellow plums that you can eat fresh or use to make a flavorful jelly. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3b through 8 and in Florida is planted near patios and decks where it attracts butterflies.

American plum grows from 15 to 20 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide, typically with multiple trunks, although it can be pruned to grow from a single, short trunk. It grows best with some shade and some sun. If you're growing more than one, space them 3 to 5 feet apart. It is easy to maintain, will grow in sandy soil and will tolerate drought. The plum has a tendency to be invasive and self-seeds into neighboring landscapes.

Chickasaw Plum

Chickasaw plum shows white to cream or gray flowers in spring, later yielding fleshy, round plums 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. The plums change from yellow to red as they ripen. They are good for eating fresh or making jams and jellies.

It will grow in a range of soils in partial shade to full sun and has a high tolerance for drought. In its native habitat Chickasaw plum spreads by growing sprouts from the base of its trunks. It is useful for planting in a lawn or beside a deck or patio. The plum has a tendency to become weedy and invasive.